1999, Deep Water Race to the bay

Another long distance race is completed. TIME MACHINE raced in the Toledo to Put-in-bay Deep Water Race that brings the fleet to Put-in-Bay for BAY WEEK. We did not have the full complement of crew and had a visitor from DARK STAR, Bill Murdock. Conditions were lumpy with a 15 to 20 knot wind from the South. We started late under genoa and main and after some consideration set the 1.5 Oz chute. Well, actually we set it twice.... the first time we hoisted the clew!!!! Once we got settled down, Bill showed us how to pull the top of the mast forward and we started to pick off boats.

As we approached the Middle Sister Island, we needed to change to a jib. The work-jib was hoisted and we prepared to bring in the chute. I called out "blow the chute" and before Paul could release the tack, Bill had opened the stopper on the halyard. In a flash the halyard had run out the top of the mast and the sail was trailing in the water. Paul quickly disconnected the sail from the pole and we hauled a very heavy and wet sail aboard. No gear was lost, but we did have to restring the halyard.

To make matters worse, the genoa halyards were crossed and the wind was getting weaker. We needed to put up the #2 Genoa. So we bit the bullet and took down the #3, sorted out the halyards, and the hoisted the #2. Now we were driving again!!!! As we approached the passage between Rattlesnake and South Bass Islands, the wind picked up to 24 knots, but we just depowered and gritted our teeth and flew across the line.

With all the errors and problems we were in last place. That afternoon a massive cold front moved through. We waited for the storms to go through and then set sail at 2000 for TYC. These late night return trips have become a trade-mark for this crew. The winds were steady and with only 3 tacks we rounded the Toledo Harbor light and reached back to the slip.